STERILIZE

[ster.il.ize] vt -ized ; -iz.ing (1695): to make sterile: as a: to cause (land) to become unfruitful b (1): to deprive of the power of reproducing (2): to make incapable of germination c: to make powerless or useless usu. by restraining from a normal function, relation, or participation d: to free from living microorganisms -- ster.il.i.za.tion n -- ster.il.iz.er n